Abstract: A compact electronic data module is provided which includes non-volatile memory, device. The memory device is mounted on a printed circuit board, which in turn is housed in a unitary tubular casing. The memory device is in the form of an integrated circuit (in a low-height package, such as a flat-pack or SOIC) which is mounted on the printed circuit board. One side of the printed circuit board is exposed to provide exterior contacts and the other side is placed inside the casing and covered with potting material. Simple wiring on the small board, using a through-hole vias, suffices to route power, ground, and data lines to the integrated circuit, while providing a sealed durable package with three external contacts.

Abstract: A fastener is provided with onboard memory in the form of a non-volatile memory device. The fastener defines a casing with an elongate body and a transverse gripping head, such casing defining a bore into which the nonvolatile memory device is placed. The memory device is mounted on a circuit board having a first side which defines a plurality of electrically conductive contacts for use in communicating with the memory device. The electrically conductive contacts are selectively exposed to provide access to the memory device. The other side of the circuit board is placed inside the casing and covered with potting material. Simple wiring on the small board, using through-hole vias, suffices to route power, ground, and data lines to the memory device, while providing a sealed durable package with at least three external contacts and fastening capabilities.

Abstract: A compact electronic data module is provided which includes non-volatile memory, device. The memory device is mounted on a printed circuit board, which in turn is housed in a unitary tubular casing. The memory device is in the form of an integrated circuit (in a low-height package, such as a flat-pack or SOIC) which is mounted on the printed circuit board. One side of the printed circuit board is exposed to provide exterior contacts and the other side is placed inside the casing and covered with potting material. Simple wiring on the small board, using a through-hole vias, suffices to route power, ground, and data lines to the integrated circuit, while providing a sealed durable package with three external contacts.

Abstract: A portable sensing device for reading data codes comprising a thin, generally planar housing of polygonal shape having a light source and light sensor at one of the corners thereof for reading data codes. The code reader contains a memory not only capable of storing the sensed data codes for future access, but capable of being programmed. A multipurpose battery charger is provided which is capable of charging multiple ones of the code readers simultaneously while receiving outputs from their memories and inputting commands or programming. Although the output from each code reader is performed optically through coded pulsing of the light source, the input occurs through the battery charger terminals, the charging current being delivered in coded pulses. Outputs from multiple code readers placed in a single charger occur sequentially in accordance with coded commands given by the charger.